A total of 263 athletes took part in the event on 12th November 2017, which included two separate cycle races through the tropical countryside and spectacular scenery of Phuket and Phang Nga provinces.

The “Mini-Classic” race saw 160 cyclists depart from Thanyapura for a challenging 45km ride around North Phuket, while the “Classic” race saw 103 athletes cycle for 106 grueling kilometers through Phuket and neighboring Phang Nga.

The male of female winners of the Classic race were rewarded with a two-night package at Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Nai Yang Beach, including accommodation in a Beachfront Two Bedroom Private Pool Villa!

The start of the event was presided over by Mr Virat Patee, Director of the Sports Authority of Thailand, and Mr Paolo Randone, Chief Operating Officer of Thanyapura Health & Sports Resort.

“Thanyapura’s Classic Cycling Race is always a fantastic occasion and it was a great pleasure to be part of this year’s event,” said David Ippersiel, General Manager of Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Nai Yang Beach. “This annual sporting event allows us to strengthen our connections with the local community, as part of our commitment to support our neighbors.

“We are also delighted to be able welcome the winning atheletes to our resort. After their exertions, I’m sure they will be overjoyed to relax in the comfort of our Beachfront Two Bedroom Private Pool Villa. We hope this will encourage more people to join Thanyapura’s community sports events in future. Stay healthy!” Mr Ippersiel added.

This year marked the first time that Thanyapura has partnered with a hotel for this event. As a main sponsor of the race, Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Nai Yang Beach presented the two winners of the Classic race with a voucher for a two-night stay in a Beachfront Two Bedroom Private Pool Villa – the most luxurious accommodation at the resort – including daily breakfast and one evening dinner at the Big Fish restaurant for two people.

The prize packages also include a 20% discount on all spa treatments at the resort, meaning that the winning cyclists can soothe their aching bodies with a blissful massage. The packages for both the male and female winners were valued at more than THB175,400 (approx. US$5,300).

Following this initial sponsorship opportunity, Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Nai Yang Beach hopes to partner with Thanyapura’s Classic Cycling Race for many years to come.